CAPE Performing Arts Workshop

African conference gets underway soon

27/06/2017
Ghanian-born, Emmy award-winning poet, actor, editor, critic and musician, Kwame Dawes is among scores of internationally acclaimed literary practitioners and academics who will assemble in Barbados early next month for the African Theatre Association’s (AfTA) annual conference. The Conference dates are July 6 to 9, 2017.
Ghanian-born, Emmy award-winning poet, actor, editor, critic and musician, Kwame Dawes is among scores of internationally acclaimed literary practitioners and academics who will assemble in Barbados early next month for the African Theatre Association’s (AfTA) annual conference.

The globally-acclaimed event which starts on the 6th of July will be held under the theme Many People, Many Cultures, One Humanity: Re-Centering the Poet, Poetry and Performance at the Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination (EBCCI), Cave Hill Campus, University of the West Indies.

Deputy Dean of the EBCCI and event organizer Harclyde Walcott noted that the conference, which is in its tenth year, coincides with the tenth anniversary celebrations of the EBCCI where the majority of conference events will take place. He noted that this was the first time the AfTA conference would be held in the Caribbean and the EBCCI was “especially pleased for the opportunity to connect both academics and practitioners from across The UWI community, Europe and Africa”.

“The University of the West Indies recently established official partnerships with two African universities and this conference is an extension of our intention to strengthen the relationship with that continent” he said.

Conference papers will address dramaturgy, music, dance, film, new media, language, nationalism, post colonialism, indigenous, traditional and other models of theatre and performance, among other issues.

Theatre and performance on the African continent have historically been influenced considerably by the story teller, the griot and the poet, who traditionally have been the keeper of the tales, the maker of the myths and the voice of the culture.

AfTA serves as a bridge between African theatre practices and scholarship by bringing academics and theatre-makers together. The Association provides a regular forum for scholars and practitioners to meet and exchange ideas, knowledge and information.

The public is invited to attend the conference which will include the launch of new books, several screenings and performances.

Art Exhibition to Celebrate International Women's Day

05/03/2017The Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination celebrates International Women’s Day with the first Solo Exhibition of artist Cher Antoinette from March 8th to 31st 2017 at its Rex Nettleford Performance Complex’s Art Gallery.

“Just Call me Sarah: The Colours of a Woman” is Cher-Antoinette’s first Solo Exhibition inspired by the tragic story of the talented South African Khoi Khoi woman Saartjie Baartman (Sarah). Sarah was made to believe she was in store for a better life in Europe, if she were to showcase her ‘attributes’; her ability to sing and dance. However, their interest was more so for her physical attributes, never seen before by white Europeans. Sarah was whisked from her homeland and sold for exhibition in London. Ridiculed and objectified for the benefit of the theory of African relativity to the ape family, she died in Paris where she was further objectified as an exhibit.

According to Cher-Antoinette, this installation of work was inspired by “the history of her exploitation (it) touched a raw nerve in me, maybe because I also am a full figured woman, with possibly a similar genetic situation. But more importantly I am very concerned in the manner in which this present generation is embracing such self-objectification and in my mind, tainting the beauty of the full figured woman. The lines of sensuality and sexuality have been blurred significantly.”

The Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination (EBCCI) of The University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus is pleased to support Cher-Antoinette in the showcasing of her visual tribute to Sarah, a little known of story in our afro-history. Carla Springer Hunte, Manager of the EBBCI noted, “Our mission has always been to exhibit thought provoking work with new ideas. We are especially pleased to commemorate this special occasion with Cher-Antoinette’s first solo exhibition and our support of the creative enterprise of UWI Alumna.”

“Just Call Me Sarah” will be mounted in the EBCCI’s Art Gallery, featuring Cher-Antoinette’s interpretations in watercolour, pen ink, charcoal and acrylic ink on paper and in acrylic ink on canvas.

The exhibition will be opened by the Principal and Pro Vice Chancellor of the Cave Hill Campus, Professor Eudine Barriteau, the region’s leading advocate in Gender Studies on Wednesday March 8th 2017 at 6:00p.m. The Exhibition will be open daily from 10:00am to 6:00pm, and by special appointment on weekends with the artist.